Call 1 (877) 345-3218

Benefits and Risks of Holding an Intervention

An intervention is a planned opportunity for family members or close friends to help a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. These events can take place with the help of a trained interventionist, or a group can plan and carry out the intervention on their own. An intervention provides loved ones of an addict the opportunity to let the person know what his addiction has done to the family or group. Each person participating in the process has a chance to speak, and at the end of the intervention the addicted loved one must decide to enter rehab. Interventions can be emotionally challenging, and the people involved in the process must prepare themselves for a variety of responses from their addicted loved one. Using a trained interventionist helps family members and friends understand what is involved in the intervention and find the right treatment program for their loved one. There are both benefits and risks associated with the intervention process.

Benefits of Holding an Intervention

The benefits of planning and carrying out an intervention are many, with the most important being the help that your loved one will receive once it is over. People who are struggling with addiction may already be at the very bottom and looking for a way out, or they may still be in denial that there is a problem. An intervention can be a catalyst for change when all other methods have failed. An intervention also gives families members the opportunity to share how the addiction is affecting their lives. Addiction is hard on everyone involved, and being able to express those feelings and emotions can begin the healing process. Using a trained interventionist can help family members use the right words to get their loved one’s attention and offer them the help they need. Planning an intervention can also help family members learn more about their loved one’s addiction and how important the right treatment can be.

Risks of Holding and Intervention

Although the benefits far outweigh the challenges with intervention, there are a few risks. An intervention may not produce the desired outcome at first, and may seem like it has done more harm than good. In this case the intervention may need to be repeated at a time when the person struggling with addiction is more prepared to hear what is said. An intervention may also put further stress on already fragile family relationships. Using a trained interventionist to help determine who the best people to carry out the intervention are will help eliminate this obstacle. An intervention may also bring up other family struggles that have not been dealt with but are contributing to the loved one’s addiction. Although this may seem like a risk, dealing with past hurts in a productive way can only help the overall situation in the long run.

Find Help in Planning an Intervention

If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, an intervention may be the only way to save his life. A trained interventionist can help you plan and carry out an intervention in the most productive way possible. Call our toll-free number 24 hours a day to speak to a trained helpline counselor. We are here to answer your questions about addiction, intervention, and the treatment options that are available.